AGENDA
17:00 - 18:30
Workshop Sessions
ETH WEV Weinbergstrasse 58, 8006 Zürich
-
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly evolving, reshaping how we interact with technology, and influencing every aspect of our lives. Despite its transformative potential, most cutting-edge AI models remain proprietary black boxes, accessible only to a privileged few.
But it doesn't have to be this way.
In this talk, we'll explore why open source is indispensable for the future of AI innovation. We'll cut through the hype, clarifying exactly what "open-source AI" means—beyond simply sharing software.
You'll discover why open source matters practically and philosophically: it democratizes AI, accelerates innovation, enhances transparency, and protects privacy. We'll discuss the recent breakthroughs that have allowed powerful large language models to run entirely locally on your laptop.
To illustrate this, we'll provide a concise, live demonstration: you'll see firsthand how quickly and easily a state-of-the-art open-source AI model can be set up and run locally, tailored specifically to your needs, with no dependency on expensive cloud infrastructure or proprietary services.
Join us as we unpack the power—and necessity—of open source AI.
-
Join us for an engaging hands-on workshop where you'll discover how Large Language Model (LLM) agents can enhance data analysis workflows. In this session, we’ll demystify AI agents—what they are, how they extend beyond simple text generation, and how they can execute data-driven tasks using natural language commands. Using a real-world dataset on Gender Diversity in Tech, you'll see how just a few lines of code in Google Colab can create an interactive AI assistant capable of analyzing data, generating visualizations, and extracting insights - all without requiring advanced programming skills.
What you’ll learn:
• The fundamentals of LLM-based AI agents
• How AI agents can automate data analysis and visualization
• How to build a simple data analysis agent in Google Colab
No prior experience needed—just bring your laptop, curiosity, and questions!
WEV H 326 Lecture room
WEV F 109 - 111 Lecture room
18:30
Guests Arrival & Welcome
- networking
PB Labs - ETH Zürich Gebäude RZ Clausiusstrasse 59 8006 Zürich
18:35
Opening & Panel Discussion
- official event kickoff
- introduction of the panel and discussion topic
PB Labs - ETH Zürich Gebäude RZ Clausiusstrasse 59 8006 Zürich
19:15
Panel & Q&A Session Wrap-Up | Apero Break
- audience questions & insights
- short break with refreshments
PB Labs - ETH Zürich Gebäude RZ Clausiusstrasse 59 8006 Zürich
19:30
Mentorship Sessions
-
In this session we will explore:
How to network for win-win
Why its good to have a purpose or vision to make networking more meaningful
How to stay authentic and feel comfortable when networking, even if you are shy or an introvert
How to build deep connections that are sustainable
How to leverage networking in a way that helps you have more impact on topics relevant to you (and to help others likewise)
Whom to network with, how and where (Mentors, possible business partners, sparring partners, hiring managers etc., where: on conferences, at the job, career fairs etc.)
PB Labs - ETH Zürich Gebäude RZ Clausiusstrasse 59 8006 Zürich
-
AI is more than just technology—it shapes how we think, act, and interact with the world as part of sociotechnical systems. In this session, we’ll examine the ethics of AI from a technical and philosophical perspective, exploring questions of bias, accountability, and human agency. We’ll discuss how responsible AI development can contribute to human flourishing and what it means to build machines that enhance - not replace - our humanity.
-
No matter how good your ML models, AI or analytics are, they add no business value without the support and understanding of employees across the business. The scope of this session is to discuss how to transform the culture to appreciate and respect data, how to democratize data to allow non-technical employees to reap their own benefits, training data champions, and educating senior leaders for top down reinforcement.
-
AI is transforming industries, from hiring to healthcare, yet biased algorithms continue to reinforce inequalities. How can we ensure AI systems are fair, transparent, and accountable? In this mentorship session, we will examine real-world AI failures, including gender bias in recruitment tools, racial disparities in facial recognition, and imbalanced healthcare predictions.
-
The data science job market is evolving rapidly - what was in demand two years ago is no longer enough today. In this mentorship session, we’ll take a deep dive into how the expectations for data science professionals have shifted, particularly in Switzerland and Germany. Drawing from real industry experience, we will discuss:
How data science roles and projects have changed over the past two years
What employers expect today versus in the past
The most sought-after skills and emerging trends in hiring
Differences between industries and company types when it comes to career growth
Educational pathways and upskilling strategies to stay competitive
If you want to stay ahead in your career and understand the direction the data science market is heading, this session will provide first-hand insights and actionable strategies for navigating these changes.
-
1. A Day in the Life of a Quant: What the Job Actually Looks Like
2. Breaking into Quant Trading: Challenges & Hiring Trends
3. AI & Machine Learning in Quant: Practical Applications in Research
4. Work-Life Balance & Career Growth: The Long-Term Perspective
5. Staying Competitive: The Skills & Mindset That Matter Most
6. Confidence & Resilience: Owning Your Space in the Industry
-
Is your personal brand working for you or against you? Join us at this exciting mentorship table, where we’ll crack the code of Personal Branding—that one thing that shapes how people perceive you and the opportunities that come your way!
Here’s what we’ll dive into:
What’s Your Brand?: Understanding what personal branding really means and why it’s the key to standing out.
Build & Boost: Hands-on frameworks and strategies to craft an authentic personal brand that highlights your strengths and values.
Attract Opportunities: Learn practical tips to showcase your value, build stronger connections, and turn your brand into a magnet for success.
If you’re ready to unlock the secret to amplifying your impact and staying memorable, this mentorship table is your first step. Don’t miss the chance to start building a personal brand that speaks volumes—even when you’re not in the room!
20:20
Apero & Networking | Open End
PB Labs - ETH Zürich Gebäude RZ Clausiusstrasse 59 8006 Zürich
21:00
Closing Announcement